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Tractors may be among the most important farm implements, but they can also be among the most dangerous. Each year, between 350 and 450 farm fatalities involve tractor accidents. Tragically, children under 15 years old account for nearly 90 percent of deaths due to riding on a tractor as a passenger. Thousands more suffer disabling injuries and lose millions of dollars to medical bills, time off work, reduced productivity and property damage.

Each year, many youngsters die when tractors run over them. In most cases these children were extra riders while others were driving – brothers, sisters, parents or grandparents. All too often, the mishap occurs when the extra rider falls off the tractor after it hits a bump, or as a result of a tractor roll-over.

Most tractors are built for only one person. Obviously, an extra rider can interfere with safe operation by blocking access to controls, distracting the driver or obstructing the driver's view.

Fortunately, many of today’s tractors are equipped with rollover protection structures, or ROPS. They are designed to help keep drivers safe but not an extra rider. An enclosed cab may reduce the chances of a rider falling off the tractor, but it doesn't eliminate the risk.

You can possibly save another’s life by simply adopting the following safeguards and making sure everyone on your farm knows they are strict policies.

• Do not permit passengers - NO RIDERS on the tractor.
• Don't take unnecessary chances – don't let friends and family ride with you.
• The NO RIDERS policy should be the policy for all farm equipment including ATVs, cargo areas of pickups, and lawnmowers.
• Train young drivers to operate equipment safely including NO RIDERS.
• Use NO RIDERS decals on farm equipment to remind operators and passengers of the dangers. Decals are available from OFBF by calling 614-246-8277, or e-mailing drubel@ofbf.org.